Underground Gold Reserve Discovered In Odisha’s Bargarh

Underground Gold Reserve Discovered In Odisha’s Bargarh

A survey by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has detected underground gold reserves at different places in the Bargarh district. In the initial survey conducted by NMDC in Padampur, Paikamal and Jharabandh of the district, traces of gold were found in the mineral form of calaverite, sylvanite and pegmatite. A subsequent survey by GSI confirmed the presence of gold in the soil in these areas.

Following this, GSO and the Atomic Energy department of the Centre carried out mining in different areas of these places on the basis of satellite surveys. Around one ton of minerals and stones were extracted after digging 300-500 meters in the presence of scientists and sent for a chemical test in a government laboratory. During the test around 0.70-gram gold was extracted from the sample soil.

However, GSI has stated that it would conduct a survey once again to confirm the test report. If the second survey, which would be completed by year-end, confirms gold reserves, it would decide on granting permission for commercial mining to extract the precious metal in Bargarh. 

It may be noted that during the construction of Sulsulia Dam in Bhatli of Bargarh district around 40 years back, gold-coloured soil had been found during digging, sparking off speculation of the presence of gold there. But GSI ruled out any gold reserves at the time. However, it confirmed gold content in the soil following a geomagnetic survey in the area.

According to sources, a vast area around Hirakud reservoir may have reserves of precious metals and minerals including uranium, topaz and chromite.